by SC Reporter Emilie Alfino
In Other News from Sanibel City Council on Tuesday, Dec. 3:
(1) A discussion of draft legislation regarding “open bodies of water” was postponed to the January 14 City Council meeting so that Councilmember Holly Smith, who had to leave early, could take part.
(2) It was suggested that an item for discussion at a future meeting should be whether the limitation for shorter-term vacation rentals should be changed. Upon discussion, the consensus of Council was that the “no fewer than 28 days” vacation rentals provision should stand.
(3) Council approved a budget amendment to appropriate $4.4 million in operational reserves to personnel expenditures related to wage and health insurance increases for fiscal year 2025. This budget amendment does not increase the fiscal year 2025 budget.
(4) City staff presented a report on Surface Water Management Damages Post-Hurricane Ian. They described 14 water level monitoring systems, some by Johnson Engineering and some by Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation, comparing data from the 1970s to today. The weir policy is to be reviewed. “It does seem like the sooner the better,” said Councilmember Laura DeBruce. “This is certainly a priority for everyone.” Vice Mayor Mike Miller requested a list by neighborhood of what has been done, while Councilmember Holly Smith said, “This is the most important issue we’re facing.” Focusing on pre-storm preparation, Councilmember John Henshaw said there needs to be education on what people need to do. “I live on a private street, and I’m sure I will have to do something pre-storm. We’re all responsible for ourselves,” he added. Mayor Richard Johnson said, “The idea that we live on an island that’s going to be dry and beautiful all the time is a false expectation. The more information we can get out to people, the better. We have got to focus on today’s infrastructure.”
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